Input sensing device and display device including the same

ABSTRACT

An input sensing device includes a first base layer, a plurality of first sensing electrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes, a plurality of third sensing electrodes, and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes. The first sensing electrodes are arranged on the first base layer along a first direction. The second sensing electrodes are arranged on the first base layer in different rows from the first sensing electrodes. The third sensing electrodes are arranged on the second sensing electrodes along a second direction different from the first direction. The third sensing electrodes overlap the second sensing electrodes. The fourth sensing electrodes are arranged on the same layer as the third sensing electrodes and overlap the first sensing electrodes. A constant voltage is applied to the third sensing electrodes during a touch pressure sensing operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0049172 filed on Apr. 27, 2018, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an inputsensing device and a display device including the same.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Commonly used types of display devices include liquid crystal display(LCD) devices and organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices.

LCD devices are among the most widely used types of flat panel displaydevices. An LCD device includes two substrates including electric fieldgenerating electrodes such as a pixel electrode and a common electrode,and a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. In the LCD device, avoltage is applied to the electric field generating electrodes to forman electric field in the liquid crystal layer. As a result, thealignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer isdetermined, and the polarization of incident light is controlled,thereby displaying an image.

OLED display devices display an image using an organic light emittingelement that generates light by recombination of electrons and holes.OLED display devices have advantageous characteristics such as, forexample, high response speed, high luminance, a wide viewing angle, andlow power consumption.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an input sensingdevice capable of detecting a touch position and a touch pressurethrough a single module, and a display device including the inputsensing device.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an input sensingdevice capable of detecting a touch pressure through a resistancesensing method and a capacitive method, and a display device includingthe same.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an inputsensing device includes a first base layer, a plurality of first sensingelectrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes, a plurality ofthird sensing electrodes, and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes.The plurality of first sensing electrodes is arranged on the first baselayer along a first direction. The plurality of second sensingelectrodes is arranged on the first base layer (e.g., arranged on thesame layer as the plurality of first sensing electrodes) and is arrangedin different rows from the plurality of first sensing electrodes. Theplurality of third sensing electrodes is arranged on the plurality ofsecond sensing electrodes along a second direction different from thefirst direction. The plurality of third sensing electrodes overlaps theplurality of second sensing electrodes. The plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes is arranged on the same layer as the plurality of thirdsensing electrodes and overlaps the plurality of first sensingelectrodes. A constant voltage is applied to the plurality of thirdsensing electrodes during a touch pressure sensing operation.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a displaydevice includes a display panel and an input sensing panel disposed overthe display panel. The input sensing panel includes a plurality of firstsensing electrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes, aplurality of third sensing electrodes, and a plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes. The plurality of first sensing electrodes is arranged alonga first direction. The plurality of second sensing electrodes isarranged on the same layer as the plurality of first sensing electrodesand is arranged in different rows from the plurality of first sensingelectrodes. The plurality of third sensing electrodes is arranged on theplurality of second sensing electrodes along a second directiondifferent from the first direction, and overlaps the plurality of secondsensing electrodes. The plurality of fourth sensing electrodes isarranged on the same layer as the plurality of third sensing electrodesand overlaps the plurality of first sensing electrodes. A constantvoltage is applied to the plurality of third sensing electrodes during atouch pressure sensing operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention will become moreapparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a first substrate ofthe input sensing panel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating a second substrate ofthe input sensing panel shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a touch area between the first substrateand the second substrate shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I1-I1′ in FIG. 4according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5B to 5D are cross-sectional views showing different arrangementrelationships of the sensing electrodes and signal lines shown in FIG.5A according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for describing a method of sensing atouch position in a display device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a method of sensing a touch pressure ina display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a view for describing a timing of sensing a touch position anda touch pressure according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of the firstsubstrate from among components of the input sensing panel shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 10 is a view for describing a method of sensing a touch pressurethrough a resistance change in an input sensing panel including thefirst substrate shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view for describing an exemplary embodiment of the methodof sensing a touch pressure through a resistance change in an inputsensing panel including the first substrate shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of the firstsubstrate from among components of the input sensing panel shown in FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Likereference numerals may refer to like elements throughout theaccompanying drawings.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer,or intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it willalso be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being“between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layerbetween the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elementsor layers may also be present.

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, these elements are not limited by theseterms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from anotherelement. Thus, a first element discussed below may be termed a secondelement without departing from teachings of one or more exemplaryembodiments. The description of an element as a “first” element may notrequire or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. Theterms “first”, “second”, “second”, etc. may also be used herein todifferentiate different categories or sets of elements.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower” “under”,“above”, “upper”, etc., may be used herein ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or“under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” theother elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and“under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a display deviceincludes a display panel 100, an input sensing panel 200, ananti-reflective panel 300, and a window panel 400. The input sensingpanel 200 may also be referred to herein as a pressure sensing panel.Herein, the configuration combined with another component through anadhesive member will be expressed by a “panel”. Further, theconfiguration combined with another component through a continuousprocess will be expressed by a “layer”. The panel includes a base layerproviding a base surface. In contrast, in exemplary embodiments, thelayer does not include the base layer. That is, the expression “layer”refers to a structure disposed on the base surface provided by anothercomponent. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer may include, forexample, a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glasssubstrate, etc.

The display panel 100 is defined as a panel for displaying an image. Inan exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may be, for example, anorganic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, aquantum dot display panel, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing panel 200 is disposed overthe display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100and the input sensing panel 200 are coupled to each other through afirst adhesive member 510. The input sensing panel 200 may sense theposition and pressure of, for example, a user's finger or a touch pen.That is, the input sensing panel 200 may sense both the position andpressure of a touch, as described in further detail below. The inputsensing panel 200 may be referred to as an input sensing device beforeit is attached to the display panel 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-reflective panel 300 is disposedover the input sensing panel 200. In an exemplary embodiment, theanti-reflective panel 300 and the input sensing panel 200 are coupled toeach other through a second adhesive member 520. The anti-reflectivepanel 300 may reduce the reflectance of external light incident fromabove the window panel 400. In an exemplary embodiment, theanti-reflective panel 300 may include a retarder and a polarizer.Further, the anti-reflective panel 300 may include a black matrix and acolor filter. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the anti-reflectivepanel 300 may be omitted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the window panel 400 is disposed over theanti-reflective panel 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the window panel400 and the anti-reflective panel 300 are coupled to each other througha third adhesive member 530. The window panel 400 may protect thedisplay panel 100 and/or the input sensing panel 200 from damage suchas, for example, external scratches.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first to third adhesive members510 to 530 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) member, an opticalclear adhesive (OCA) member, or an optical clear resin (OCR) film.Unlike as described above, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one ofthe input sensing panel 200, the anti-reflective panel 300, and thewindow panel 400 may be formed in the form of a “layer” having an uppersurface of another component as a base layer. For example, the inputsensing panel 200 may be formed as an input sensing layer having anupper surface of the display panel 100 as a base surface. That is, theinput sensing layer may be formed together with the display panel 100through a continuous process.

Hereinafter, the input sensing panel 200 will be described in moredetail.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a first substrate ofthe input sensing panel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan viewschematically illustrating a second substrate of the input sensing panelshown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a touch area disposedbetween the first substrate and the second substrate shown in FIGS. 2and 3. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I1-I1′ in FIG.4. For convenience of explanation, although it is shown in FIG. 4 thatthe size of a sensing electrode provided in a second substrate 220 issmaller than the size of a sensing electrode provided in a firstsubstrate 210, the size of a sensing electrode according to exemplaryembodiments of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5A, in an exemplary embodiment, the inputsensing panel 200 includes a first substrate 210 and a second substrate220.

Hereinafter, the first substrate 210 will be described first withreference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5A.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate 210 is disposed on thedisplay panel 100, and is coupled to the upper surface of the displaypanel 100 through the first adhesive member 510 (refer to FIG. 1). In anexemplary embodiment, the first substrate 210 includes a first baselayer 211, a plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, aplurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6, a plurality offirst signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6, a plurality of second signal linesIL2-1 to IL2-6, a first touch pad unit DP1, and a first insulating layer212. Reference numerals of the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6 are expressed based on the row in which they are disposed.

The first base layer 211 provides a base surface to the plurality offirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, the plurality of second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6, the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 toIL1-6, and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, the plurality of second sensing electrodesIE2-1 to IE2-6, the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6, andthe plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 are formed on thesame layer (e.g., the first base layer 211). In an exemplary embodiment,the first base layer 211 may be a synthetic resin film, a glasssubstrate, an organic/inorganic composite material substrate, etc. Thebase layer 211 is not limited to a single layer, and may have a form inwhich a plurality of layers is attached to one another through, forexample, an adhesive member. In an exemplary embodiment, the inputsensing panel 200 is an input sensing layer directly formed on thedisplay panel 100, and the first base layer 211 is omitted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first base layer 211 is divided into afirst display area TP1 and a first non-display area NTP1. The firstdisplay area TP1 is defined as an area overlapping an area in which animage is displayed in the display panel 100 (refer to FIG. 1). Further,the first non-display area NTP1 is defined as an area disposed on theouter periphery of the first display area TP1 and overlapping an area inwhich an image is not displayed in the display panel 100. Forconvenience of illustration, a plurality of lines arranged in the firstnon-display area NTP1 is shown in the form of a ‘line’ in the figures.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 is arranged on the first base layer 211, and is arrangedin the display area TP1 along a first direction d1. Referring to FIG. 2,in an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6are spaced apart from one another and arranged in different rows. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 includes a plurality of first sensing units SE1 and aplurality of first connection units cp1. In an exemplary embodiment, thefirst sensing units SE1 are arranged along a second direction d2intersecting the first direction d1, and are connected to one anotherthrough the plurality of first connection units cp1. That is, theplurality of first connection units cp1 is disposed between theplurality of first sensing units SE1 to electrically and physicallyconnect the plurality of adjacent first sensing units SE1 to each other.Referring to FIG. 2, the first direction d1 is exemplified as a columndirection, and the second direction d2 is exemplified as a rowdirection.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 is connected to the first touch pad unit DP1 through theplurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6, respectively. The firsttouch pad unit DP1 is electrically connected to a touch driving circuitthrough a first flexible substrate. The plurality of first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 may receive a driving signal from the touchdriving circuit through the first touch pad unit DP1 connected to theplurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second sensing electrodesIE2-1 to IE2-6 is arranged on the first base layer 211, and is arrangedin the first display area TP1 along the first direction d1. That is, theplurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 is arranged on thesame layer as the plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6,and are insulated from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, theplurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 and the pluralityof second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 are staggered along thefirst direction d1. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, theplurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 and the pluralityof second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 are arranged in differentrows from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 includes a plurality of second sensing unitsSE2 and a plurality of second connection units cp2. In an exemplaryembodiment, the second sensing units SE2 are arranged along the seconddirection d2, and are connected to each other through the plurality ofsecond connection units cp2. For example, the plurality of secondconnection units cp2 is disposed between the plurality of second sensingunits SE2 to electrically and physically connect the plurality ofadjacent second sensing units SE2 to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second sensing electrodesIE2-1 to IE2-6 is connected to the first touch pad unit DP1 through theplurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6, respectively. The firsttouch pad unit DP1 is electrically connected to a touch driving circuitthrough a first flexible substrate. The plurality of second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 may receive a driving signal from the touchdriving circuit through the first touch pad unit DP1 connected to theplurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first sensing unitsSE1 and the plurality of second sensing units SE2 has, for example, arhombic shape. According to exemplary embodiments, the rhombic shapeincludes not only a substantially rhombic shape, but also a polygonalshape close to a rhombus in consideration of, for example, processconditions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Forexample, according to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality offirst sensing units SE1 and the plurality of second sensing units SE2may have, for example, a polygonal shape, or may have, for example, ashape without distinction between a sensor unit and a connection unit(for example, a bar shape).

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6 may be formed of a transparent or translucent conductive material.The transparent or translucent conductive material may include at leastone of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO),zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), andaluminum zinc oxide (AZO).

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 toIL1-6 and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 arearranged in the first non-display area NTP1. In an exemplary embodiment,one end of each of the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 isconnected to one end or the other end of the plurality of first sensingelectrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6. In an exemplary embodiment, the other end ofeach of the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 is connectedto a plurality of pad portions disposed on the first touch pad unit DP1.In an exemplary embodiment, one end of each of the plurality of secondsignal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 is connected to one end or the other end ofthe plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6. In anexemplary embodiment, the other end of each of the plurality of secondsignal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 is connected to a plurality of pad portionsdisposed on the first touch pad unit DP1.

Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in an exemplaryembodiment, all of the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 may also bearranged on the same side surface in the first non-display area NTP1.Further, at least one of the plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1to IE1-6 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6is connected to the plurality of signal lines at both ends thereof toreceive driving signals from the first touch pad unit DP1. In this case,sensing sensitivity may be prevented from being decreased due to avoltage drop of the driving signals provided through the first touch padunit DP1.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first signal linesIL1-1 to IL1-6 and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6may be formed of a single-layer film made of one conductive metalselected from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chromium(Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), molybdenum tungsten (MoW), titaniummolybdenum (MoTi), and copper/titanium molybdenum (Cu/MoTi), adouble-layer film made of two conductive metals selected therefrom, or atriple-layer film made of three conductive metals selected therefrom.However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pluralityof first signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 and the plurality of second signallines IL2-1 to IL2-6 may be made of various metals or conductors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 and the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6 are arranged on different layers from the plurality of firstsignal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 and the plurality of second signal linesIL2-1 to IL2-6. Thus, contact holes for electrically connecting twoconductors disposed on different layers and connection electrodes may beadditionally provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality offirst signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 and the plurality of second signallines IL2-1 to IL2-6 may be replaced by, for example, circuit boardsthat are separately formed and coupled.

The first touch pad unit DP1 may be electrically connected to the touchdriving circuit through a separate first flexible substrate. Thus, theplurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 may receive adriving signal from the touch driving circuit through the plurality offirst signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6 and the first touch pad unit DP1, andthe plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 may receive adriving signal from the touch driving circuit through the plurality ofsecond signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 and the first touch pad unit DP1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first insulating layer 212 is disposedon the plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, theplurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6, the plurality offirst signal lines IL1-1 to IL1-6, and the plurality of second signallines IL2-1 to IL2-6. In an exemplary embodiment, the first insulatinglayer 212 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.The first insulating layer 212 may be formed of a material having a highdielectric constant while having an elastic force. In an exemplaryembodiment, the first insulating layer 212 may be formed of, forexample, acrylic, polyurethane, or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

In an exemplary embodiment, the first insulating layer 212 may be formedof another material having a high dielectric constant while having anelastic force. Further, the first insulating layer 212 may be formed ofa material having adhesiveness. In this case, the first substrate 210and the second substrate 220 may be coupled to each other through thefirst insulating layer 212. In an exemplary embodiment, a separateadhesive layer may be formed between the first substrate 210 and thesecond substrate 220.

Next, the second substrate 220 will be described with reference to FIGS.1, 3 and 5A.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second substrate 220 includes a secondbase layer 221, a plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5,a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5, a plurality ofthird signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5, a second touch pad unit DP2, and asecond insulating layer 222. Reference numerals of the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 and the plurality of fourthsensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 are expressed based on the column tobe disposed.

The second base layer 221 provides a base surface to the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5, the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5, and the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1to IL3-5. In an exemplary embodiment, the second base layer 221 may beformed of the same material as that of the first base layer 211. In anexemplary embodiment, the second base layer 221 is disposed on the firstinsulating layer 212. As described above, in an exemplary embodiment,when the first insulating layer 212 has an adhesive component, thesecond base layer 221 may be directly coupled to the first insulatinglayer 212. In an exemplary embodiment, when there is a separate adhesivelayer disposed between the second base layer 221 and the firstinsulating layer 212, the second base layer 221 may be disposed on theseparate adhesive layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second base layer 221 is divided into asecond display area TP2 and a second non-display area NTP2. The seconddisplay area TP2 overlaps the above-described first display area TP1,and also overlaps a display area in which an image is displayed by thedisplay panel 100. The second non-display area NTP2 is defined as anarea disposed on the outer periphery of the second display area TP2 andoverlapping an area in which an image is not displayed in the displaypanel 100. The area of the second display area TP2 may be the same as ordifferent from the area of the first display area TP1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third sensing electrodesIE3-1 to IE3-5 is arranged on the second base layer 221 along the seconddirection d2. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE 3-5 is arranged in differentcolumns. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thirdsensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 includes a plurality of third sensingunits SE3 and a plurality of third connection units cp3. The thirdsensing units SE3 are arranged along the first direction d1, and areconnected to one another through the plurality of third connection unitscp3. For example, the plurality of third connection units cp3 isdisposed between the plurality of third sensing units SE3 toelectrically and physically connect the plurality of adjacent thirdsensing units SE3 to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third sensing electrodesIE3-1 to IE3-5 is connected to the second touch pad unit DP2 through theplurality of third signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5, respectively. In anexemplary embodiment, the second touch pad unit DP2 includes a pluralityof pad units arranged along the second direction d2. The plurality ofpad units may be connected to the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1to IL3-5, respectively. The second touch pad unit DP2 may receive adriving signal from a touch driving circuit through a second flexiblesubstrate. For example, the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1to IE3-5 may receive a driving signal from the touch driving circuitthrough the third signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5 and the second touch padunit DP2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fourth sensing electrodesIE4-1 to IE4-5 is arranged on the second base layer 221 along the firstdirection d1. The plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5is insulated from the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 toIE3-5. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 includes a plurality of fourth sensing unitsSE4, respectively. However, the plurality of fourth sensing electrodesIE4-1 to IE4-5 does not include connection units for connecting thesensing units SE4 to each other. For example, each of the plurality offourth sensing units SE4 has an island shape in which the plurality offourth sensing units SE4 are not connected to one another. Accordingly,at least one of the plurality of fourth sensing units SE4 may be in afloating state, and, in some exemplary embodiments, all of the pluralityof fourth sensing units may be in a floating state.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of third sensing unitsSE3 and the plurality of fourth sensing units SE4 has a rhombic shape.According to exemplary embodiments, the rhombic shape includes not onlya substantially rhombic shape, but also a polygonal shape close to arhombus in consideration of, for example, process conditions. However,the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, according toexemplary embodiments, the first to fourth sensing units SE1 to SE4 maybe different from one another in shape, and may also be different fromone another in size.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third sensing electrodesIE3-1 to IE3-5 and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 toIE4-5 may be formed of a transparent or translucent conductive material.The transparent or translucent conductive material may include at leastone of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO),zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), andaluminum zinc oxide (AZO).

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1 toIL3-5 is arranged in the second non-display area NTP2. One end of eachof the third signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5 may be connected to one end orthe other end of the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 toIE3-5. The other end of each of the plurality of third signal linesIL3-1 to IL3-5 may be connected to a plurality of pad portions disposedon the second touch pad unit DP2. Unlike the exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, one end and the other end of theplurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 are connected tothe plurality of signal lines to receive driving signals.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of third signal linesIL3-1 to IL3-5 may be formed of a single-layer film made of oneconductive metal selected from, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu),molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), molybdenumtungsten (MoW), titanium molybdenum (MoTi), and copper/titaniummolybdenum (Cu/MoTi), a double-layer film made of two conductive metalsselected therefrom, or a triple-layer film made of three conductivemetals selected therefrom. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto, and the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5 may bemade of various metals or conductors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third sensing electrodesIE3-1 to IE3-5 and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 toIE4-5 are arranged on different layers from the plurality of thirdsignal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments,contact holes for electrically connecting two conductors disposed ondifferent layers and connection electrodes may be additionally provided.In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1 toIL3-5 may be replaced by, for example, circuit boards that areseparately formed and coupled.

The second touch pad unit DP2 may be electrically connected to the touchdriving circuit through a separate second flexible substrate. Thus, theplurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 may receive adriving signal from the touch driving circuit through the plurality ofsecond signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 and the first touch pad unit DP1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer 222 is disposedon the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5, theplurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5, and the pluralityof third signal lines IL3-1 to IL3-5. The second insulating layer 222may be, for example, a single-layer structure or a multi-layerstructure. In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer 222may be formed of, for example, an inorganic material, an organicmaterial, or a composite material. In an exemplary embodiment, thesecond adhesive member 520 is disposed on the second insulating layer222. In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer 222 isformed of the same material as the first insulating layer 212. In anexemplary embodiment, the second adhesive member 520 may be omitted. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment in which the second insulating layer222 includes an adhesive material, the second adhesive member 520 may beomitted.

Next, an overlapping relationship between the sensing electrodes will bedescribed. Herein, the term “overlapping” may mean that two componentsoverlap each other in the vertical direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of third sensing electrodesIE3-1 to IE3-5 overlaps the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1to IE2-6, and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5overlaps the plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6.

Herein, an example will be described with reference to FIG. 5A. Thefirst sensing unit SE1 a and the first sensing unit SE1 b illustrate twosensing units adjacent to each other from among the plurality of firstsensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6. The second sensing unit SE2 a and thesecond sensing unit SE2 b illustrate two sensing units adjacent to eachother from among the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6. Further, the third sensing unit SE3 a and the third sensing unitSE3 b illustrate two sensing units adjacent to each other from among theplurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5, and the fourthsensing unit SE4 a and the fourth sensing unit SE4 b illustrate twoadjacent sensing units from among the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5.

The first sensing unit SE1 a and the first sensing unit SE1 b overlapthe fourth sensing unit SE4 a and the fourth sensing unit SE4 b,respectively. Further, the second sensing unit SE2 a and the secondsensing units SE2 b overlap the third sensing unit SE3 a and the thirdsensing unit SE3 b, respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments, the size of each sensing unit is notparticularly limited. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the sizesof the third sensing unit SE3 a, the third sensing unit SE3 b, thefourth sensing unit SE4 a, and the fourth sensing unit SE4 b are largerthan the sizes of the first sensing unit SE1 a, the first sensing unitSE1 b, the second sensing unit SE2 a, and the second sensing unit SE2 b.Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, the sizes of the sensing unitslocated at relatively upper positions may be increased to secure apredetermined tolerance. Accordingly, the misalignment that may occurwhen the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220 are attachedtogether may be reduced.

It is to be understood that the arrangement relationship of each sensingelectrode and each signal line is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5A,as described below with reference to FIGS. 5B to 5D.

FIGS. 5B to 5D are cross-sectional views showing different arrangementrelationships of the sensing electrodes and signal lines shown in FIG.5A according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Forconvenience of explanation, a further description of elements previouslydescribed with reference to FIG. 5A may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in an exemplary embodiment, an input sensing panel200_2 does not include the second base layer 221 as compared with theinput sensing panel 200 shown in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5, the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5, and the plurality of third signal lines IL3-1to IL3-5 may be formed directly on the insulating layer 212.

Referring to FIG. 5C, in an exemplary embodiment, an input sensing panel200_3 does not include the first base layer 211 as compared with theinput sensing panel 200 shown in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, the plurality offirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, the plurality of second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6, the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 toIL1-6, and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 may beformed directly on the upper surface of the display panel 100 (refer toFIG. 1). In this case, the first adhesive member 510 having beendescribed with reference to FIG. 1 may be omitted. In FIG. 5C, a secondsubstrate 220_3 includes the first insulating layer 212, the second baselayer 221, and the second insulating layer 222.

Referring to FIG. 5D, in an exemplary embodiment, an input sensing panel200_4 does not include the first base layer 211 as compared with theinput sensing panel 200 shown in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, the plurality offirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6, the plurality of second sensingelectrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6, the plurality of first signal lines IL1-1 toIL1-6, and the plurality of second signal lines IL2-1 to IL2-6 may beformed directly on the upper surface of the display panel 100 (refer toFIG. 1). In FIG. 5D, a second substrate 220_4 includes the firstinsulating layer 212 and the second insulating layer 222.

Hereinafter, a method of sensing a touch position and a touch pressurein a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

First, a method of sensing a touch position will be described withreference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for describing a method of sensing atouch position in a display device according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 6, themethod will be described with reference to a cross-section taken alongline I1-I1′ shown in FIG. 4.

The plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 may operate assensing electrodes Rx when sensing a touch position of, for example, auser's finger fg, and the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 toIE3-5 may operate as driving electrodes Tx when sensing the touchposition. Instead of a user's finger fg, the sensing electrodes Rx mayalso sense a touch position of, for example, a touch pen. Referring toFIG. 6, when sensing the touch position, the first sensing unit SE1 aand the first sensing unit SE1 b may operate as sensing electrodes, andthe third sensing unit SE3 a and the third sensing unit SE3 b mayoperate as driving electrodes.

Further, the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 mayoperate as floating electrodes when sensing the touch position. However,the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 is notutilized for sensing the touch position. That is, when sensing the touchposition, the fourth sensing unit SE4 a and the fourth sensing unit SE4b operate as floating electrodes, whereas the second sensing unit SE2 aand the second sensing unit SE2 b are not utilized for sensing the touchposition. The plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6including the second sensing unit SE2 a and the second sensing unit SE2b operate as dummy electrodes which are not utilized for sensing thetouch position. That is, the plurality of second sensing electrodesIE2-1 to IE2-6 may be in a floating state in which driving signals arenot provided at the time of sensing the touch position.

An example will be described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a firstcapacitor C1 is formed between the first sensing unit SE1 a operating asa sensing electrode and the fourth sensing unit SE4 a operating as afloating electrode. Further, a second capacitor C2 is formed between thefirst sensing unit SE1 a and the third sensing unit SE3 a, and a thirdcapacitor C3 is formed between the first sensing unit SE1 a and thethird sensing unit SE3 b.

The capacitances of the first to third capacitors C1 to C3 may bechanged according to a touch by a conductive object such as, forexample, a touch by a user's finger fg or a capacitive touch pen. Forexample, the distance between the third sensing unit SE3 a and thefourth sensing unit SE4 a and the distance between the fourth sensingunit SE4 a and the first sensing unit SE1 a may be changed by the touchof a user's finger fg. The capacitances of the first to third capacitorsC1 to C3 are changed by the distance change. The display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may sensethe position of the user's touch by detecting the capacitance changeamount.

The plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 overlap theplurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5, and the pluralityof fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 overlap the plurality offirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6. Accordingly, when sensing thetouch position, the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6 and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 canprevent the pattern shapes of the plurality of first sensing electrodesIE1-1 to IE1-6 and the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 toIE3-5 from being visually recognized.

Next, a method of sensing a touch position will be described withreference to FIGS. 3 and 7. Herein, a process in which touch pressuresensing is performed may be referred to as a touch pressure sensingoperation, and a process in which touch position sensing is performedmay be referred to as a touch position sensing operation.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing a method of sensing a touch pressure ina display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention can measure the user's touch pressure F through a resistancesensing method, as described in more detail below.

The plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 and theplurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 may operate aspressure electrodes at the time of detecting the user's touch pressureF. For example, a driving signal for detecting a touch pressure may betransmitted to the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 toIE2-6, and a constant voltage, for example, a ground (GND) voltage, maybe applied to the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5.

Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a fourth capacitor C4 is formedbetween the plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 andthe plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5. Thecapacitance of the fourth capacitor C4 is changed when the user's touchpressure F is applied. For example, the display device according to anexemplary embodiment detects the user's touch pressure F by measuringthe change in the capacitance of the fourth capacitor C4. The user'stouch pressure F may be applied by, for example, the user's finger fg ora touch pen.

The plurality of first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 and theplurality of fourth sensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 are not utilizedfor detecting the user's touch pressure F. That is, the plurality offirst sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-6 and the plurality of fourthsensing electrodes IE4-1 to IE4-5 operate as dummy electrodes which arenot utilized for sensing the touch pressure.

Next, timing of sensing a touch position and a touch pressure will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a view for describing a timing of sensing a touch position anda touch pressure according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. For convenience of explanation, driving signals for touchposition sensing are referred to as Tx1 to Txn (n is a natural numberequal to 2 or more), and driving signals for touch pressure sensing arereferred to as Fx1 to Fxm (m is a natural number equal to 2 or more).

Referring to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the driving signals Tx1to Txn for touch position sensing may be provided to the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 operating as driving electrodesTx at the time of sensing a touch position. Further, the driving signalsFx1 to Fxm for touch pressure sensing may be provided to the pluralityof second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 at the time of sensing atouch pressure. As described above, a ground voltage may be provided tothe plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5 at the time ofsensing a touch pressure.

That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn fortouch position sensing are temporally spaced from the driving signalsFx1 to Fxm for touch pressure sensing. In an exemplary embodiment,first, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn for touch position sensing areprovided, and then the driving signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressuresensing are provided. That is, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn for touchposition sensing and the driving signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressuresensing are temporally spaced from each other, thereby minimizing mutualnoises, and preventing the deterioration of sensing sensitivity. Sincethe accuracy of the touch position sensing is typically of higherimportance than the accuracy of the touch pressure sensing, the drivingfrequencies of the driving signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressure sensingmay be lower than the driving frequencies of the driving signals Tx1 toTxn for touch position sensing. Accordingly, the load of a touch drivingcircuit for providing the driving signals can be reduced.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn for touchposition sensing and the driving signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressuresensing may be provided from different touch pads from each other. Forexample, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn for touch position sensing maybe provided to the plurality of third sensing electrodes IE3-1 to IE3-5through the second touch pad unit DP2, and the driving signals Fx1 toFxm for touch pressure sensing may be provided to the plurality ofsecond sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 through the first touch padunit DP1.

Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, in an exemplaryembodiment, the drive signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressure sensing maybe provided, and then the drive signals Tx1 to Txn for touch positionsensing may be subsequently provided. Alternatively, in an exemplaryembodiment, the driving signals Tx1 to Txn for touch position sensingand the driving signals Fx1 to Fxm for touch pressure sensing may atleast partially overlap each other.

That is, the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention may detect both the user's touch position and touchpressure through the input sensing panel 200. Accordingly, in exemplaryembodiments, the display device does not include a separate, dedicatedsensor module for detecting a touch pressure. Thus, the thickness of theinput sensing panel 200 and the entire thickness of the display deviceincluding the input sensing panel 200 can be reduced according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation,a further description of elements previously described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8 may be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of the firstsubstrate from among components of the input sensing panel shown in FIG.1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least two sensing electrodes from amongthe plurality of second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-6 are connectedto each other through a connection electrode. In an exemplaryembodiment, the two sensing electrodes connected to each other throughthe connection electrode form one strain gauge.

An example will be described. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondsensing electrode IE2-1 and the second sensing electrode IE2-2 disposedin different rows are directly connected to each other through the firstconnection electrode CE1. The second sensing electrode IE2-1 and thesecond sensing electrode IE2-2 may be directly connected through a firstconnection electrode CE1 to form a first strain gauge.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the second sensing electrode IE2-3and the second sensing electrode IE2-4 are directly connected to eachother through a second connection electrode CE2. The second sensingelectrode IE2-3 and the second sensing electrode IE2-4 may be directlyconnected through the second connection electrode CE2 to form a secondstrain gauge. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensing electrodeIE2-5 and the second sensing electrode IE2-6 are directly connected toeach other through the third connection electrode CE3. The secondsensing electrode IE2-5 and the second sensing electrode IE2-6 may bedirectly connected through the third connection electrode CE3 to form athird strain gauge. These strain gauges may be connected to a wheatstone bridge, as described in further detail below.

The positions of the connecting electrodes are not particularly limited.For example, although it is shown in FIG. 9 that the first connectionelectrode CE1 and the second connection electrode CE2 are disposed ondifferent side surfaces from the third connection electrode CE3,exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.Further, unlike the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, in anexemplary embodiment, the second sensing electrodes that are notadjacent to each other may be directly connected to each other to form astrain gauge. In this specification, it will be described that theadjacent second sensing electrodes are directly connected to each otherto form a strain gauge.

Further, although three strain gauges are shown in FIG. 9, exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the display device is configuredsuch that a plurality of strain gauges are arranged in an area in whicha touch pressure is required to be sensed, and thus, the touch pressurecan be sensed. An example will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a view for describing a method of sensing a touch pressurethrough a resistance change in an input sensing panel including thefirst substrate shown in FIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment, an input sensing panel200_5 includes first to fourth strain gauges ST1 to ST4. In an exemplaryembodiment, the first and second strain gauges ST1 and ST2 are disposedat the upper side of a first base layer 211_5, and the third and fourthstrain gauges ST3 and ST4 are disposed at the lower side of the firstbase layer 211_5. Each of the first to fourth strain gauges ST1 to ST4corresponds to one resistor constituting a first Wheatstone bridgecircuit unit WS1.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the first strain gauge ST1serving as a fourth resistor R4, the second strain gauge ST2 serving asa second resistor R2, the third strain gauge ST3 serving as a firstresistor R1, and the fourth strain gauge ST4 serving as a third resistorR3 constitute the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WS1. Further,each of the first power source P1 and the second power source P2 of thefirst Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WS1 may receive a voltage from theoutside. In an exemplary embodiment, the second power source P2 mayreceive a constant voltage. In exemplary embodiments, the constantvoltage may be a reference voltage such as, for example, a groundvoltage.

In an exemplary embodiment, one end of the first resistor R1 isconnected to the first power source P1, and the other end thereof isconnected to a second terminal N2. Further, one end of the secondresistor R2 is connected to the first power source P1, and the other endthereof is connected to the first terminal N1. Further, one end of thethird resistor R3 is connected to the first terminal N1, and the otherend thereof is connected to the second power source P2. Further, one endof the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the second power source P2,and the other end thereof is connected to the second terminal N2.

The voltage level applied to each resistance element and the first powersource P1 and the second power source P2 may be adjusted such that thepotential difference between the first terminal N1 and the secondterminal N2 is about 0 V. As a result, no current flows between thefirst terminal N1 and the second terminal N2.

Thereafter, when a user applies a touch pressure to a part of an area inwhich the first to fourth strain gauges ST1 to ST4 are arranged,resistance values of some of the resistors R1 to R4 corresponding to thefirst to fourth strain gauges ST1 to ST4 are changed. For example, fromamong the first to fourth strain gauges ST1 to ST4, the length of thestrain gauge to which the touch pressure is applied may be increased bythe touch pressure, and thus, the corresponding resistance value may bechanged.

Due to the change in resistance, a voltage difference is generatedbetween the first terminal N1 and the second terminal N2, and thus, thecurrent corresponding to the voltage difference flows. The touchpressure of a user may be detected by the measurement of the voltagedifference or the amount of current flowing. In an exemplary embodiment,the touch driving circuit may detect the touch pressure of the userbased on the measurement of the voltage difference or the amount ofcurrent.

The position of the first Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WS1 is notparticularly limited. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the firstWheatstone bridge circuit unit WS1 is formed by adjusting thearrangement position of lines constituting each resistance in the firstnon-display area NTP1. In an exemplary embodiment, the first Wheatstonebridge circuit unit WS1 is formed on a flexible substrate electricallyconnected to the first touch pad unit DP1.

Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the input sensingpanel 200_5, a plurality of Wheatstone bridge circuit units may beformed. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, the number ofWheatstone bridge circuit units, the number of strain gaugesconstituting each Wheatstone bridge circuit unit, the position of thestrain gauges, the number of fixed resistors, etc. may be varieddepending on the area in which the touch pressure of the user isrequired to be detected.

FIG. 11 is a view for describing an exemplary embodiment of the methodof sensing a touch pressure through a resistance change in an inputsensing panel including the first substrate shown in FIG. 9 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the third andfourth strain gauges ST3 and ST4 corresponds to one resistorconstituting a second Wheatstone bridge circuit unit WS2.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the third strain gauge ST3serving as the first resistor R1 and the fourth strain gauge ST4 servingas the third resistor R3 constitute the second Wheatstone bridge circuitunit WS2. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the fourth resistor R4has a fixed resistance value, and the second resistor R2 is formed as avariable resistor. The resistance value of the second resistor R2 andthe voltage level applied to the first power source P1 and the secondpower source P2 may be adjusted such that the potential differencebetween the first terminal N1 and the second terminal N2 is about 0 V.Therefore, no current flows between the first terminal N1 and the secondterminal N2.

Thereafter, when a user applies a touch pressure to a part of an area inwhich the third and fourth strain gauges ST3 and ST4 are arranged,resistance values of at least some of the resistors R3 and R4corresponding to the third and fourth strain gauges ST3 and ST4 arechanged. For example, the lengths of the third and fourth strain gaugesST3 and ST4 may be increased by the external touch pressure, and thus,the corresponding resistance values may be changed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second strain gauges ST1 andST2 are connected to a separate Wheatstone bridge circuit unit.Accordingly, a pressure sensor may be formed in one input sensing panel200_6 in a multi-channel manner.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second strain gauges ST1 andST2 are disposed at the upper side of a first base layer 211_6, and thethird and fourth strain gauges ST3 and ST4 are disposed at the lowerside of the first base layer 211_6.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of the firstsubstrate from among components of the input sensing panel shown in FIG.1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in an exemplary embodiment, an input sensing panel200_7 is different from the input sensing panel 200_5 and 200_6 shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 in that the input sensing panel 200_7 does not includethe first connection electrode CE1 for connecting the second sensingelectrode IE2-1 and the second sensing electrode IE2-2 to each other.

Accordingly, the input sensing panel 200_7 may measure a touch pressurethrough capacitance sensing in an area in which the second sensingelectrode IE2-1 and the second sensing electrode IE2-2 are disposed. Incontrast, the input sensing panel 200_7 may measure the touch pressurethrough a resistance change in an area in which the second sensingelectrode IE2-5 and the second sensing electrode IE2-6 connected throughthe third connection electrode CE3 are disposed and an area in which thesecond sensing electrode IE2-3 and the second sensing electrode IE2-4connected through the second connection electrode CE2 are disposed.

That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing panel 200_7measures the touch pressure using both the capacitance and theresistance change.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, both touch position and touch pressure may be detected by asingle module of an input sensing device and a display including theinput sensing device.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes inform and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input sensing device, comprising: a first baselayer; a plurality of first sensing electrodes arranged on the firstbase layer along a first direction; a plurality of second sensingelectrodes arranged on the first base layer in different rows from theplurality of first sensing electrodes; a plurality of third sensingelectrodes arranged on the plurality of second sensing electrodes alonga second direction different from the first direction, wherein theplurality of third sensing electrodes overlaps the plurality of secondsensing electrodes; and a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes,wherein the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes is arranged on a samelayer as the plurality of third sensing electrodes and overlaps theplurality of first sensing electrodes, wherein a constant voltage isapplied to the plurality of third sensing electrodes during a touchpressure sensing operation in which a touch pressure is sensed by one ormore of the plurality of second sensing electrodes and one or more ofthe plurality of third sensing electrodes, wherein at least one of theplurality of second sensing electrodes is in a floating state during atouch position sensing operation in which a touch position is sensed byone or more of the plurality of first sensing electrodes, one or more ofthe plurality of third sensing electrodes, and one or more of theplurality of fourth sensing electrodes.
 2. The input sensing device ofclaim 1, wherein a driving signal for sensing the touch position isapplied to the plurality of third sensing electrodes during the touchposition sensing operation.
 3. The input sensing device of claim 1,further comprising: a touch driving circuit that senses a change incapacitance between the plurality of second sensing electrodes and theplurality of third sensing electrodes during the touch pressure sensingoperation.
 4. The input sensing device of claim 3, wherein the touchdriving circuit senses a change in capacitance between at least one ofthe plurality of third sensing electrodes and the plurality of fourthsensing electrodes and the plurality of first sensing electrodes duringthe touch position sensing operation.
 5. The input sensing device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes is a floating electrode.
 6. The input sensing device of claim1, wherein at least two sensing electrodes of the plurality of secondsensing electrodes are directly connected to each other.
 7. The inputsensing device of claim 6, wherein the at least two sensing electrodesdirectly connected to each other constitute a first strain gauge, andthe input sensing device further comprises a Wheatstone bridge circuitelectrically connected to the first strain gauge.
 8. The input sensingdevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes andthe plurality of second sensing electrodes are alternately arrangedalong the first direction.
 9. The input sensing device of claim 1,further comprising: a second base layer on which the plurality of thirdsensing electrodes and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes arearranged; and an insulating layer disposed between the first base layerand the second base layer, and covering the plurality of first sensingelectrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes.
 10. A displaydevice, comprising: a display panel; and an input sensing panel disposedover the display panel, wherein the input sensing panel comprises: aplurality of first sensing electrodes arranged along a first direction;a plurality of second sensing electrodes arranged on a same first layeras the plurality of first sensing electrodes and arranged in differentrows from the plurality of first sensing electrodes; a plurality ofthird sensing electrodes arranged on the plurality of second sensingelectrodes along a second direction different from the first direction,wherein the plurality of third sensing electrodes overlaps the pluralityof second sensing electrodes; and a plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes, wherein the plurality of fourth sensing electrodes isarranged on a same second layer as the plurality of third sensingelectrodes and overlaps the plurality of first sensing electrodes,wherein a constant voltage is applied to the plurality of third sensingelectrodes during a touch pressure sensing operation in which a touchpressure is sensed by one or more of the plurality of second sensingelectrodes and one or more of the plurality of third sensing electrodes,wherein at least one of the plurality of second sensing electrodes is ina floating state during a touch position sensing operation in which atouch position is sensed by one or more of the plurality of firstsensing electrodes, one or more of the plurality of third sensingelectrodes, and one or more of the plurality of fourth sensingelectrodes.
 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein a driving signalfor sensing the touch position is provided to the plurality of thirdsensing electrodes during the touch position sensing operation.
 12. Thedisplay device of claim 11, further comprising: a touch driving circuitthat senses a change in capacitance between each of the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes and the plurality of fourth sensing electrodesand the plurality of first sensing electrodes during the touch positionsensing operation.
 13. The display device of claim 10, furthercomprising: a touch driving circuit that senses a change in capacitancebetween the plurality of second sensing electrodes and the plurality ofthird sensing electrodes during the touch pressure sensing operation.14. The display device of claim 10, wherein at least one of theplurality of fourth sensing electrodes is a floating electrode.
 15. Thedisplay device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality offirst sensing electrodes is in a floating state during the touchpressure sensing operation.
 16. The display device of claim 10, whereinat least two sensing electrodes of the plurality of second sensingelectrodes are directly connected to each other.
 17. The display deviceof claim 16, wherein the at least two sensing electrodes directlyconnected to each other constitute a first strain gauge, and the inputsensing panel further comprises a Wheatstone bridge circuit electricallyconnected to the first strain gauge.
 18. The display device of claim 10,wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes and the plurality ofsecond sensing electrodes are directly formed on an upper surface of thedisplay panel.
 19. The display device of claim 10, wherein an area ofthe plurality of third sensing electrodes is larger than an area of theplurality of first sensing electrodes.